Searching for the perfect mattress…

Remember Goldilocks and the three bears…looking for the bed that was just right for her? Well that was the quest that 14-year old Dillon Treglia was on while he recovered here from a painful chest surgery.

Thanks to Dillon’s mom Linda, for sharing this story and how the little things made a big difference for her son.

“My 14 year old son had major surgery done this summer on his chest and was in the hospital for about 5 days. Because of his surgery, he had to sleep on his back which he was not used to, but the nurses tried very hard to adjust his bed and provide him with pillows to help him feel more comfortable. He was discharged and we went home. He ended up being re-admitted a couple of days later because of a bad reaction to a medication. When he settled down into his room, he told the nurse that he was uncomfortable in the bed and he asked if he could have the exact same kind he had the first time he was in the hospital after his surgery. Apparently there were two different types of mattresses, and his sensitive back could tell the difference. Every room on the floor was filled that night so we didn’t hold out much hope of finding the other type of bed. To our surprise and my son’s relief, the nurse had called a maintenance man and he had searched every floor until he found a bed with that particular type of mattress. They switched the beds that night and my son was very happy and comfortable. I think the staff at the hospital really care about their patients and go out of their way to make them feel comfortable. The surgery was a hard/difficult thing for us to go through, but little things like finding a particular mattress for my son made all the difference in the world for his stay in the hospital.”

Thanks, Linda Treglia

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Donna Teach is Chief Marketing & Communication Officer at Nationwide Children's. Her job is to help the hospital feel "connected" – Connected to each other, connected to our patients and their families, referring physicians, the community and the world.

4 thoughts on “Searching for the perfect mattress…”

Nationwide Children’s has an exceptional staff, that DOES recognize that the little things can make a huge difference to children. When my little one was in the emergency room and was offered a popsicle, the nurse happily exchanged one flavor for another, saying “It isn’t a treat if you don’t like it!” My daughter went from scared and nervous, to relaxed and accepting, simply because someone treated her like family. It’s been 5 years, but I’ve never forgotten that kindness and understanding. We’re SO lucky to live in Central Ohio and have access to such an outstanding children’s hospital. Thank you!

Marya – Never underestimate the power of the perfect popcicle! I’m so happy your daughter’s experience was made less stressful by that nurse who took the extra few seconds to make sure she had her favorite flavor. That’s what it’s all about – Thank you for writing.